Electric Hand Held Tape Dispenser

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to increase the stability and efficiency of a tape dispenser ergonomically during the taping process. This is accomplished by shifting the center of gravity toward the front end of the tape dispenser, right at the location of main roller. This can be accomplished by placing the electric motor and gear component inside the main roller of the tape dispenser. The operations of the tape dispenser such as taping and cutting process are controlled by the rotation direction of the motor, and the interaction of components with the one-way bearing. The powered cutter is driven by the electric motor and gear component inside the main roller, which will reduce the production cost of the tape dispenser by utilizing the same motor and save space by eliminating the need of additional motor and gear component.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Applications Ser. No. 63/177,380. filed on Apr. 20, 2021.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an auto tape dispenser powered electronically with means to dispense and cut tape at a desired speed.

Discussion of Prior Art

In general, hand held tape dispensers using light weight rollers require an extra step in which the user must further smoothen the tape on the surface in order to fully seal the carton box.

In prior art invention (U.S. Pat. No. 10,549,941), the electronic tape dispenser utilizes electric motor to dispense the tape upon activation by the user. The user simply holds and places the electric hand held tape dispenser on the desired location, and the moving roller, powered by an electric motor, will move the tape dispenser in the direction guided by the hand of the user. Compared with a manual hand held tape dispenser, the electric tape dispenser is faster and more efficient tool thereby increasing the productivity of workers. However, one of the problems with a powered dispenser is the ergonomic challenges, wherein improper placement of electrical and mechanical components (additional weight) can displace the center of gravity of the tape dispenser which greatly affects the taping process. For example, the electric tape dispenser may sway to left or right under a high speed setting due to poor weight distribution caused by improper placement of heavier components. This increases the risk of wrist injury on user after prolong hour of usage. If the front-end of tape dispenser is lighter than the rest of the body, wheel-slipping may occur due the inadequate friction needed for the roller to stay in constant contact with the surface of the target object and further pull the tape from the adapter.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to increase the stability and efficiency of a tape dispenser ergonomically during the taping process. This is accomplished by shifting the center of gravity toward the front end of the tape dispenser, right at the location of main roller. This can be accomplished by placing the heavier parts such as metal pieces near the front of the tape dispenser. With the current invention, the electric motor and gear component are placed inside the main roller of the tape dispenser. In this case, the center of gravity has shifted towards the main roller and hence assures the majority weight of the dispenser falls on the target object. It is most desirable to place the heavier parts in the main roller, since placing them anywhere outside the main roller increases the production cost and affects the cosmetic appearance of the dispenser's overall shape. This ideal position lessens the amount of force imposed on the user's wrist, and creates better friction for the roller to move on the surface of the target object. With the added weight of the main roller, the pressure asserted on tape will be uniformly distributed during the taping process. The movement of the roller will simultaneously guide and pull the tape smoothly, creating an effortless taping process. In addition, the heat generated from the motor is likely to disperse onto the main roller, producing a thermal effect that improves the adhesion of temperature-sensitive tape. When the desired length of tape is dispensed, the tape can be cut off by the attached powered cutter instead of a manual cut. The process of the cutting mechanism is actuated by the trigger located on the shaft of the handle. Once triggered, the cutting mode or the cutting process is activated. The powered cutter is driven by the electric motor and gear component inside the main roller, which will reduce the production cost of the tape dispenser by utilizing the same motor and save space by eliminating the need of additional motor and gear component.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description and illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the tape dispenser according to an embodiment of present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the tape dispenser according to an embodiment of present invention with its handle housing removed.

FIG. 3 is the tape dispenser of present invention, showing the main roller. rotating cap and roller base.

FIG. 4 is the tape dispenser of present invention, showing the rotating cap, gear component and roller base.

FIG. 5 is the tape dispenser of present invention, showing the gear component and roller base.

FIG. 6 is the exploded view of tape dispenser of present invention, showing the roller base, electric motor, gear set, and the rotating cap.

FIG. 7 is the exploded view of tape dispenser of present invention, showing the roller base, electric motor, gear set, rotating cap and the main roller.

FIG. 8 is the main roller according to the second embodiment of the main roller of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is the main roller of present invention, showing the one-way bearing, output shaft and wheel hub.

FIG. 10 is the tape dispenser of present invention, showing the battery, circuit, shear driver and cutter.

FIG. 11 is the tape dispenser of present invention, showing the cutting mechanism center hub, mechanical linkages and cutter in retracted position.

FIG. 12 is the tape dispenser of present invention, showing the cutting mechanism center hub, mechanical linkages and cutter in extended position.

FIG. 13 is the tape dispenser of present invention, showing the gear train, gear rack and cutter.

FIG. 14 is the tape dispenser of present invention, showing the output shaft on the rotating cap, the first one-way bearing on the main roller and the second one-way bearing on the cutting mechanism center hub.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The present invention is an electric hand held tape dispenser 1 (see FIG. 1) consisting of a handle 10 and a frame 12 mounted into and above said handle 10. The handle 10 is of a shaft shape, proper for hand grip, and houses a battery 14 (see FIG. 2), push button 16. The handle can also house electronic circuit boards, switches, electric motors and gear components if deem more efficient. The main structure of the frame 12 consists of a main roller 30, optional adapter 35, optional cutter (not shown), circuit boards (not shown), electric motor and gear component. The function of the electric motor and gear component is to drive the main roller 30 of the tape at a desired speed. The speed can be controlled by an optional speed controller circuit board (not shown). The adapter 35 is mounted on a shaft 33 and rotates about the shaft 33 while supporting a roll of tape 31 thereon. The frame 12 can be of various designs, sizes and shapes. The handle 10 can be placed anywhere in tape dispenser and can be of various designs, size and shapes.

The primary means of the main roller 30 is to steer the rollout of the tape 31 with the support of tape guide 3 and press the tape 31 on to a surface as it is dispensing. The main roller 30 is a hollow cylinder drum with one open end. One end of the main roller 30 is connected to roller plate 7. The roller plate 7 is further connects to the frame 12 via the axle 29. The roller base 60 (see FIG. 3) is encased by the main roller 30. The roller base 60 is a hollow cylinder drum which holds the gear set 19 in position (see FIG. 6).

The temperature at surrounding environment is one of the factors affecting the taping process. A higher ambient temperature will have better adhesion on target object than those applied at lower temperatures. A higher temperature will speed up the adhesive reaction when the main roller 30 is in contact with the tape 31 especially under the cold weather. The roller base 60 is preferred to be made up of thermally conductive material to allow the heat generated from motor 18 to dissipating evenly to the body of main roller 30. To further facilitate the heat transference from roller base 60 to main roller 30, conductive component can also be added in between the roller base 60 and main roller 30. The optional heating element either powered by the electric motor 18 or battery 14 can be added to main roller 30 or roller base 60 to speed up the heating process on main roller 30.

The gear component is consisting of a gear set 19 (see FIG. 4), a rotating cap 20 and an electric motor 18. The rotating cap 20 is a circular disc consisting of lower tab(s) 63 and upper tab(s) 62. The upper tab(s) 62 is to engage with the hole(s) 39 of wheel hub 44 (see FIG. 3) and rotate the main roller 30 while the lower tab(s) 63 is to engage the eyelets 26 of the gear set 19. It is to be noted that, the rotating cap 20 can be of any size and shape as long as it achieves the same result as above. The gear set 19, in this case, a planetary gear set which is made up of several gear components, input gear 24 a, the center gear 25 a, planet gears 24 b, 25 b and the ring gear 25 c (See FIGS. 5 & 6). FIG. 6 depicts the shaft of electric motor 18 is connected to input gear 24 a, which in turn, trigger the movement of gear set 19 when the electric motor 18 is energized. It is to be noted that the gear set 19 can be any type of gear as long as it achieves the same result as the above. The electric motor 18 is powered from the battery 14 via a wiring system 5 (see FIG. 1). In order to activate the electric motor 18 of the tape dispenser 1, the push button 16 must be turned “ON” to form a complete circuit.

The position of electric motor and gear component increases the overall weight of the main roller 30 of the tape dispenser 1, and as a result, shifts the center of gravity of tape dispenser 1 towards the main roller 30. The weight of the main roller 30 turns the tape dispenser 1 into effective front-heavy compressing machine during the taping process. The add-on weight of main roller 30 not only effectively distribute the pressure asserted on tape evenly during the taping process, it creates a better friction for the roller to move on the surface of target object. The movement of roller will simultaneously guide and pull the tape 31 smoothly from the adapter 35. The user will further guide the tape dispenser effortlessly to the desired direction by holding the handle 10.

During the taping process, the user places tape, dispenser 1 on the surface of an object such as a carton box. The user then engages the push button 16 located on the shaft of the handle. The push button 16 connects to a circuit board. This action forms a complete circuit. Powered by battery 14 via input 17 (see FIG. 7), electric motor 18 activates and rotates its gears at the gear set 19, which further cause the rotating cap 20 to move in a circular motion, which in turn, drives the main roller 30 to pull the tape from the adapter 35, while at the same time drive the tape dispenser 1 toward the direction guided by the user. The push button 16 is optimally place along the shaft of the handle so that it is at a position where it can be easily activated and deactivated by the finger of the hand of the user gripping the handle.

Alternatively, the main roller can be designed with multiple sections. As depicted in FIG. 8. The center section 50 is a smooth section for passing and compressing the tape 31 during the operation, while the left and right sections 51 is designed for grip when the roller is driving on the surface of the package. It is to be noted, the main roller 30, roller base 60 can be of various designs, materials, sizes and shapes. It is to be noted that the main roller can be designed in one piece utilizing the same material and surface texture as long as it causes the tape 31 to adhere smoothly while at the same time providing a good traction for tape dispenser to roll on the surface of an object.

The tape dispenser 1 equipped with a simple mechanical adapter without being driven by a motor. In this case, the adapter 35 rotates passively since the work of pulling the tape 31 falls solely on the main roller. Alternatively, the powered driven main roller 30 can be applied on adapter 35. In this case, during the taping process, the motor of adapter 35 is energized by battery 14 and causes rotation motion, which in turn, forwarding the tape 31 to main roller 30. It is to be noted, the adapter 35 can be of various designs, materials, sizes and shapes. The adapter 35 can be in various forms and designs, but not limited to, rod, roller, and spring mandrel. The tape 31 can be in the form of various materials, but not limited to, films, shrink wrap, Vinyl, PVC, paper, rubber, and silicone.

When the desired length of tape is dispensed, the tape 31 can be cut off by a cutting mechanism. The cutting mechanism can be of various designs, materials, sizes shapes and operated in different ways as long as it fits to the tape dispenser to perform the cutting operation. The user places the tape 31 under the cutter, and pushes the handle of the tape dispenser toward the taping surface to allow the cutter to cut off the tape manually. Alternatively, the manual operated cutter can be replaced by a powered cutter 93 (see FIG. 10). The process of powered cutting mechanism is actuated by the trigger 97 located on the shaft of the handle. Once triggered, the cutting mode or cutting process is activated. The cutting mode is managed by cutter circuit controller 37 of tape dispenser 1.

During the taping process, the upper tab(s) 62 (shown in FIG. 4) is to engage with the wheel hub 44 (shown in FIG. 3) and rotate the main roller 30 in the forward direction motion (clockwise direction) while the output shaft 40 is in free motion. During the cutting process, the electric motor 18 is running in reverse direction (counterclockwise direction), which causes the main roller 30 to run in reverse direction as well. The reverse motion of main roller 30 causes the one-way bearing 42 (see FIG. 9) to engage with output shaft 40. The one-way bearing 42 is designed to transmit torque between main roller 30 and the output shaft 40. When the main roller 30 is rolling in forward direction, the one-way bearing 42 allows the output shaft 40 to stay in free motion. When the main roller 30 is rolling in reverse direction, the one-way bearing 42 engages the output shaft 40 and causes it to rotate, which in turn causes the cutting mechanism center hub 95 (see FIG. 10) to rotate as simultaneously. Once the cutting mechanism center hub 95 is engaged and rotating, it drives the shear driver 91. The shear driver 91, consisting of mechanical elements with means to engage and drive the cutter 93 to reciprocate between the extended and retracted positions. The mechanical elements can be in the form of, but not limited to, belt, chain, cable, clutch, gear train, cam and follower systems, linkage and simple machine. The action of shear driver 91 causes the shape metal edge 90 which is mounted to the cutter 93 to momentarily enter the path of the packaging tape and cuts off the tape 31. FIG. 11 depicts the shear driver which is made up of a series of mechanical linkages 92 consisting of variously interlocking parts. The cutting mechanism center hub 95 connects to the mechanical linkages 92 via the connector 98. Mechanical linkages are usually designed to transform a given input force and movement into a desired output force and movement. The rotation of cutting mechanism center hub 95 transforms the force and movement to cutter via the mechanical linkages 92 to perform cutting operation. FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 further depict the cutter 93 in retracted position and extended position respectively.

Alternatively, the shear driver 91 can be designed with gear train 94 which interacts with the gear rack 96 positioned at the bottom surface of the cutter 93. (See FIG. 13) The cutting mechanism center hub is now a gear. The motion of the gear on gear track causes cutter 93 to reciprocate between the extended and retracted positions.

Once the cutting process has completed its timed cycle, the cutter 93 enters the retracted position and remains unengaged until the cutting operation is actuated by trigger 97. The cutting process can be also designed to operate for a fixed amount of time determined by the cutter circuit controller 37.

Alternatively, the rotation of the main roller can be achieved by the driving of output shaft instead of the engagement the upper tab(s) 62 of the rotating cap 20 with the wheel hub 44 of main roller. As depicted in FIG. 14, the output shaft 40 b is positioned on the surface of rotating cap 20 b. The one-way bearing 42 a is mounted inside the hole of main roller 30 b.

During the taping process, the electric motor 18 is running in forward direction, which rotates the output shaft 40 b. The output shaft 40 b engages with the one-way bearing 42 a and rotates the main roller 30 b in forward direction (clockwise direction).

A second one-way bearing 42 b, which operates in opposite direction of one-way bearing 42 a, is mounted inside the hole of cutting mechanism center hub 95 b. The output shaft 40 b is inserted through the hole of main roller 30 b and further connects with the cutting mechanism center hub 95 b.

During the taping process, since the one-way bearing 42 b works in opposite order of one-way bearing 42 a, the cutting mechanism center hub 95 b will be in free motion, disengage the shear driver 91.

During the cutting process, the electric motor 18 runs in reverse direction (counterclockwise), which causes the rotating cap 20 b and output shaft 40 b to rotate counterclockwise. At the same time, the output shaft 40 b disengages with the one-way bearing 42 a, thereby causing the main roller 30 b to move in free motion. The output shaft 40 b engages with the one-way bearing 42 b to rotate the cutting mechanism center hub 95 b. Once the cutting mechanism center hub 95 b is engaged and rotating, it drives the shear driver 91 via the connector 98. The shear driver 91 will then drive the cutter 93 to reciprocate between the extended and retracted positions.

100371 It is to be noted that the shear driver 91 can be assembled and connected in many ways as long as it causes the cutter 93 (see FIG. 11) to reciprocate between the extended and retracted positions. The shape metal edge, trigger, output shaft, shear mechanism center hub and mechanical linkages can also be of various designs, materials, sizes and shapes.

Another noteworthy aspect is that the adapter can be replaced by attaching the tape 31 to the main roller; in this case the adapter 35 is omitted. During the taping process, the user engages the push button located on the shaft of the handle. This action forms a complete circuit. Powered by battery, electric motor activates and rotates the gear set encased within main roller, which further cause the rotating cap to move in a circular motion, which in turn, drives the, main roller to release the tape on the surface of the object.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description and illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 

1. A hand-held power tape dispenser comprising: (a) at least one housing, wherein the said at least one housing further extend to serve as a handle: (b) an electrical power source attached to the said housing; (c) at least one electrical circuit supplied with electrical energy from the said electrical power source; (d) at least one trigger connected to the said electrical circuit; (e) at least one motor component connected to the said electrical circuit; (f) at least one gear set connected to the said motor component; (g) at least one rotatable roller encased to the said at least one gear set, wherein the motion of rotatable roller is driven by the said one gear set; (h) at least one output shaft is connected to the said rotatable roller; (i) at least one adapter attached to the said housing; (j) at least one shear driver attached to the said housing, wherein the said output shaft is driving the said shear driver via at least one rotating component; and (k) at least one cutter member attached to the said housing, wherein the said shear driver is driving the said cutter member.
 2. The hand-held power tape dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the output shaft connects to at least one one-way hearing.
 3. The hand-held power tape dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the main roller connects to at least one one-way bearing.
 4. The hand-held power tape dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the shear driver comprises at least one mechanical element.
 5. The shear driver according to claim 4, wherein the shear driver is mechanical linkages.
 6. The shear driver according to claim 4, wherein the shear driver is a set of gear train.
 7. A hand-held power tape dispenser comprising: (a) at least one housing, wherein the said at least one housing further extend to serve as a handle: (b) an electrical power source attached to the said housing; (c) at least one electrical circuit supplied with electrical energy from the said electrical power source; (d) at least one trigger connected to the said electrical circuit; (e) at least one motor component connected to the said electrical circuit; (f) at least one gear set connected to the said motor component, wherein the said gear set and motor component encased by a roller base; (g) at least one rotatable roller encased to the said at least one roller base; and (i) at least one cutter member attached to the said housing.
 8. The hand-held power tape dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the said cutter member is driven by at least one motor.
 9. The hand-held power tape dispenser according to claim 7, wherein at least one adapter attached to the said housing.
 10. The cutter member according to claim 8, wherein the said cutter member is driven by at least one shear driver.
 11. A hand-held power tape dispenser comprising: (a) at least one housing, wherein the said at least one housing further extend to serve as a handle; (b) an electrical power source attached to the said housing; (c) at least one electrical circuit supplied with electrical energy from the said electrical power source; (d) at, least one trigger connected to the said electrical circuit; (e) at least one motor component connected to the said electrical circuit; (f) at least one gear set connected to the said motor component, wherein the said gear set and motor component encased by a roller base; and (g) at least one rotatable roller encased to the said at least one roller base.
 12. The hand-held power tape dispenser according to claim 11, wherein at least one cutter member is attached to the said housing;
 13. The cutter member according to claim 12, wherein at least one shear driver member is attached to the said cutter member, wherein the shear driver comprises at least one mechanical element.
 14. The hand-held power tape dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the output shaft connects to at least one one-way bearing.
 15. The hand-held power tape dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the main roller connects to at least one one-way bearing.
 16. The shear driver according to claim 13, wherein the shear driver is a set of mechanical linkages.
 17. The shear driver according to claim 13, wherein the shear driver is a set of gear train. 